FAQs about funerals during national lockdown

Since the national lockdown started, there have been regulations that have been put in place regarding funerals.

These include further amendments to regulations that Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma gazetted on the COVID-19 lockdown.

Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about funerals during the national lockdown level 4.

If a funeral is outside the province or district who may attend?

• Spouse or partner of deceased
• Children (whether biological, adopted, child-in-law or stepchild) of deceased
• Parents (including) grandparents of deceased and
• Siblings (whether biological or adopted or step-brother or step-sister) of deceased

Do I need a permit to attend a funeral?

• Those attending the funeral from outside the province or metropolitan area or district need a permit to travel

How is the permit obtained?

• From nearest magistrate’s office or
• Station commander of a police station or designated person

What must I produce when I am requesting a permit to attend a funeral?

• A death certificate or
• A certified copy of the death certificate

Who can transport the deceased if outside province or district of burial?

• Only two family members with required permits or
• A person with close affiliation to deceased with required permits can be present in a vehicle transporting the mortal remains to where the funeral will take place.

Can we have a night vigil?

• No. Night vigils are prohibited.

How many people can attend a funeral or cremation?

• Attendance at a funeral is limited to 50 people.

What should be adhered to during a funeral?

• All hygienic conditions should be practiced
• Distancing measures must be adhered to for the limitation of exposure of persons